I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend

Martin Short takes you on a rich, hilarious, and occasionally heartbreaking ride through his life and times, from his early years in Toronto as a member of the fabled improvisational troupe Second City to the all-American comic big time of Saturday Night Live and memorable roles in movies such as ¡Three Amigos! and Father of the Bride.

Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story

A monumental figure on the American landscape, Jerry Lee Lewis spent his childhood raising hell in Ferriday, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi; galvanized the world with hit records like "Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On" and "Great Balls of Fire", that gave rock and roll its devil’s edge; caused riots and boycotts with his incendiary performances; nearly scuttled his career by marrying his 13-year-old second cousin - his third wife of seven - and ran a decades-long marathon of drugs, drinking, and women.

Really looked forward to this book but had to stop after the first few hours. The narrative advances at a snail's pace as the author continually drifts off describing non-essential bits of social color. In other words, what you could describe in 2 or 3 lines instead goes on for paragraph after paragraph. Make your point and move on! Where was the editor on this one? Good narration, great story, just can't listen to 15 minutes of drivel waiting for the next tidbit of information. A "must miss" in my opinion.

Tune In: The Beatles: All These Years

Tune In is the first volume of All These Years - a highly-anticipated, groundbreaking biographical trilogy by the world's leading Beatles historian. Mark Lewisohn uses his unprecedented archival access and hundreds of new interviews to construct the full story of the lives and work of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

A Natural Woman: A Memoir

Carole King takes us from her early beginnings in Brooklyn to her remarkable success as one of the world's most acclaimed songwriting and performing talents of all time. A Natural Woman chronicles King's extraordinary life, drawing listeners into her musical world, including her phenomenally successful number-one album Tapestry, and into her journey as a performer, mother, wife, and present-day activist.

Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and The World That Made Him

Richard Pryor was arguably the single most influential performer of the second half of the twentieth century, and certainly he was the most successful black actor/comedian ever. Controversial and somewhat enigmatic in his lifetime, Pryor's performances opened up a new world of possibilities, merging fantasy with angry reality in a way that wasn't just new - it was heretofore unthinkable. His childhood in Peoria, Illinois, was spent just trying to survive.

Interesting story with some insight into Pryor's life and times but thin in many places. Lots of repetition of Pryor's classic routines. I agree that he was a special talent but the genius term was thrown around ad nauseam throughout the book.

Kennedy's Last Days: The Assassination that Defined a Generation

Kennedy's Last Days is a gripping account of the events leading up to the most notorious crime of the 20th century. Adapted from Bill O’Reilly’s best-selling historical thriller, Killing Kennedy, this audiobook will have young listeners - and grown-ups too - hooked on this fascinating and colorful period of history. In the first term of his presidency, as the Cold War escalates, John F. Kennedy struggles to contain the growth of Communism while dealing with the many other complexities facing him as president of the United States.

I waited for this book expecting it would be like O'reilly's book on Lincoln. It's basically a recitation of facts on the Kennedy assassination that would be useful to a junior high student. No insight and absolutely nothing new. I don't know when I've been more disappointed in a selection. The only redeeming quality in this audiobook is the narration of Edward Herrmann, who I think is the best.

One on One: Behind the Scenes with the Greats in the Game

After numerous beloved and best-selling sports books, John Feinstein returns to the subjects of his first 10 books, crafting a narrative of the most revealing encounters he's had. These are the coaches and athletes who know their games the best, and the legends and legendary moments that gave inherent shape to our favorite pastimes.

I've read most of Feinstein's work and I'm a fan but very disappointed with the content of this book. It's more about the author's struggles to get his ideas accepted by bosses, colleagues, subjects, etc. I would not have purchased this title if I had known the content. I was expecting in-depth interviews with the "greats of the game" not discussions on how the author was granted "full access". On the plus side, the narration is first rate.

If you're looking for a book on John Feinstein, then this is your book. If you're looking for "One on One Behind The Scenes" I'd look somewhere else.

A Passion for Life: The Biography of Elizabeth Taylor

Born in England to socially ambitious parents, Elizabeth Taylor was catapulted into child stardom and molded by MGM into the great violet-eyed beauty of postwar America. Along the way, without training or counsel, she became an award-winning actress, dazzling audiences everywhere with spectacular performances.

Not sure why but I found myself hitting fast forward a number of times through this audiobook. It just got a little tedious with the minute details of Taylor's diva life. I'm a fan of Elizabeth Taylor...but not this book.

Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them

Captured forever in a unique memoir, Frank Langella's myriad encounters with some of the past century's most famous human beings are profoundly affecting, funny, wicked, sometimes shocking, and utterly irresistible. With sharp wit and a perceptive eye, Mr. Langella takes us with him into the private worlds and privileged lives of movie stars, presidents, royalty, literary lions, the social elite, and the greats of the Broadway stage.

I knew very little of the author but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Dropped names is an apt title as the number of well known people involved in Langella's life is staggering. Will listen to this again soon.

Society's Child: My Autobiography

Janis Ian was catapulted into the spotlight in 1966 at the age of 15, when her soul-wrenching song "Society's Child" became a hit. But this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career. In Society's Child, Janis Ian provides a relentlessly honest account of the successes and failures - and the hopes and dreams - of an extraordinary life.

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.